Established labour

Established labour

Established labour is the period of time during which the cervix has become fully effaced and you have dilated to around 4cm and you experience regular and painful contractions. You will notice that your contractions have a regular pattern and are closer together, becoming more intense and lasting longer. As you advance through the active stage of labour and your cervix continues to dilate, your contractions will become stronger. You’ll find that you probably won’t be able to talk through each one; instead you’ll need to focus on breathing and trying relaxation techniques to help control your breathing. When your contractions are regular and strong and coming every two to three minutes for one to two hours, you should call your midwife.

She will ask you several questions that will determine if it’s time to go to the hospital or if planning a homebirth, to see you at home.

Transitional stage
This stage occurs when your cervix is about 8 cms until fully dilated 10 cms. You may feel shaky, cold or even sick and will perhaps feel like you can’t carry on! But you can because at this point, the end is well and truly in sight and you’ll soon be holding your newest family member in your arms.